Remembering those we've lost at the Transgender Day of Remembrance

By Chris Tolliver, Contributor

On Sunday, Nov. 23, Campus Ministry and Unity will be holding an event for Transgender Day of Remembrance from 1:30-2:30 p.m. This is an annual event that takes place in Christ the King Chapel. While this has been an event that has been happening for a few years on campus, the Transgender Day of Remembrance originally started in 1999. Spencer Liechty, assistant vice president for mission integration, stated, “The Transgender Day of Remembrance was started in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in 1998.” By doing so, Gwendolyn Ann Smith was able to spread awareness of the hate towards transgender people and many people continued to do so every year after that. 

During this event on campus, there will be programs that people can take that have all of the names of transgender individuals who have passed away during the year. There will also be a bio that goes along with each name included in the program. The names will be read aloud during the event, and a moment of silence and a prayer will follow. 

Campus Ministry and Unity hope to spread awareness about the violence towards transgender individuals. Spencer Liechty stated, “This event serves to raise awareness about the ongoing violence and discrimination faced by the transgender community, advocate for their dignity and human rights and encourage community solidarity.” By holding this event, they hope to promote the belief that everyone deserves respect, safety and dignity. 

Campus Ministry was inspired to co-host this event with Unity because their goal is to help students as they look for purpose as well as work for justice, which often includes reflection, building communities and seeking solidarity. Spencer Liechty said that “The Transgender Day of Remembrance is an annual commemorative observance to those who have lost their lives to violence and hate. Thus, it is imperative for us as a Jesuit university and as a faith community to support the Unity student group in hosting this meaningful space.”